Read John 13:21-30

This scene in the upper room takes a painful turn. The air grows heavy as Jesus reveals that one of His closest friends will betray Him. The disciples are stunned. They look at one another, confused and afraid. Then Judas quietly slips out into the night — and John writes with haunting simplicity, “And it was night.”

Yet notice what Jesus does even here. He doesn’t lash out or expose Judas in anger. He loves him to the end. He gives him a morsel of bread — a gesture of friendship and honor. Even in betrayal, love reaches out. That’s what makes this moment so powerful: Jesus loves not because people deserve it, but because that’s who He is. His love isn’t reactive; it’s steadfast.

You’ve probably felt the sting of betrayal or disappointment. Maybe someone you trusted let you down. Maybe love felt unreciprocated. Jesus knows that pain — deeply. He’s not distant from your wounds; He has lived them. And yet, His response shows us a better way. Instead of letting bitterness rule, He chooses love that stays steady.

This kind of love is impossible apart from Christ. On our own, we love when it’s easy, when people earn it, when it feels safe. But Jesus calls us to something supernatural — to love even when it hurts. That doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or pretending sin doesn’t matter. It means refusing to let the failures of others extinguish the light of Christ within you.

When John says “it was night,” he’s not just describing the time of day; he’s painting a spiritual picture. Darkness has entered the story. Yet even as Judas walks away, the light of Jesus’ love doesn’t flicker out. It remains — and it will soon shine most brightly on the cross. That’s the heart of love that stays: love that endures rejection, absorbs pain, and still chooses to forgive.

Reflection Questions:

• What do you learn about Jesus from how He treats Judas?
  
• How does Jesus model love that endures even through betrayal?
  
• When have you found it difficult to love someone who hurt you?
  
• What might it look like to show steadfast love in that situation today?

Journaling Prompt:

Take time to reflect on God’s unshakable love for you — even in your weakest moments. Write about how His steadfast love empowers you to love others who are difficult to love.